Fewer People Moving to the Sunshine State

The Florida Chamber of Commerce published its latest migration trends report this week. It shows a net total increase in the state’s population of 126,000 over the previous year. The report can be seen here.

The report notes that Florida is a top destination for new residents. However, it also found a nearly 50% decrease in the number of new residents from the previous year, marking the first significant decline in net migration in a decade.

Despite this decline, Florida continues to lead the nation in net income migration, attracting $36.1 billion annually—three times more than the next closest state, Texas.

Florida Set to Produce Fewest Oranges Since 1930

According to a federal report released Tuesday, damage from Hurricane Milton is driving down citrus production from what was already expected to be a historic low for the growing season.

The Florida citrus industry produced 17.96 million 90-pound boxes of oranges during the 2023-24 season, which ended in July. The report projects that only 12 million boxes will be produced for the 2024-25 season.

The citrus industry has long struggled with varied challenges, such as the deadly citrus greening disease, development pressures, foreign competition, and damage from previous hurricanes. It now faces the smallest harvest in nearly a century. 

Gainesville Restaurant Named Among Best for Breakfast

According to three top chefs and Southern Living Magazine, Country Foodly restaurant in Gainesville serves one of the best breakfasts in the South.

Owned by a Korean family, the restaurant’s Korean-inspired menu includes a bulgogi omelet with Swiss cheese, rice kimchi, and home fries. You can learn more about the restaurant here.

Fife’s Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama, and Ema in Houston, Texas, also made the list.

➤ Statewide: Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis wants gold and silver to be made usable as legal tender in Florida. A study is underway. (See Details)

➤ Tallahassee: Local and state leaders broke ground Tuesday for a new $208 million Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services complex. (See Photos)

➤ Edgewater: City council member Rob Wilkie resigned, effective Jan. 6, citing harassment to his family and employees as the reason. (More)

➤ Miami Beach: Three brothers who gained fame selling luxury real estate were taken into custody Wednesday by Miami FBI agents and local police. They are charged with state and federal sex trafficking and rape crimes. (See Photos)

➤ Volusia County: After a video surfaced of Volusia County School Board Chair Jessie Thompson making derogatory remarks about students, the board unanimously decided to reconsider her role. (More)

➤ Statewide: Five Florida nonprofits are partnering with two organizations from California and Spain to accelerate sea-focused tech and innovation efforts, backed by $13.9 million in federal funding. (More)

➤ The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in one of their most important games of the season. The Bucs hold a one-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South title. (Game Preview)

➤ The Miami Marlins sent star infielder Jake Burger to the Texas Rangers in exchange for three minor leaguers on Wednesday. (More)

➤ Former FIU wide receiver Eric Rivers is visiting Miami this weekend as he looks for a new team after a breakout 2024 with the Panthers. (More)

Yesterday’s results: NFL | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW 

Want to stay up to date on everything related to name, image, and likeness in sports? NIL-Wire is just the place for you. Sign up here with one click!

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Find the perfect stocking stuffers with The Flyover! Peeps™ are a revolutionary new way to get spotless lenses. They clean perfectly every time and are trusted by leading Optometrists worldwide. Keep your glasses crystal clear; no cloth required! (See It Here)  

➤ Research funding at the University of South Florida reached $738 million in 2024, marking a nearly 7% increase from the previous year and a 35% rise since 2022. (More)

➤ Active shooter training could be required for new teachers before they begin their first jobs, according to a new proposal filed this week by a Florida lawmaker. (See Video)

➤ Illegal gambling operations in Volusia and Brevard counties were busted by state and local law enforcement officials this week. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Start Breathing Better Instantly! Intake Breathing Strips instantly open your nasal passages, letting you take deep breaths that improve your overall health. Enjoy 15 tabs for improved breathing! (See It Here) 

This IoT Tech Makes Power Cords Obsolete. The ultimate Internet of Things won’t need cords or batteries. Trackers and sensors will charge through the air, like connecting to Wi-Fi—and it’s all thanks to Energous’ patented wireless power technology. Already recognized as the “IoT Innovation of the Year,” Energous is targeting $650B in markets with its groundbreaking technology. And you can invest now in a company working to revolutionize power. Learn how to become an Energous shareholder today.

This is a paid advertisement for Energous’ Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.energous.com for additional information on the company and the risk factors of the offering.

➤ A great white shark was caught by a fisherman in Yulee off the coast of Amelia Island. (See Video)

➤ The University of North Florida has been awarded $800,000 by the National Park Service to increase efforts to restore local coastlines and combat shoreline erosion at three national parks in Florida and Georgia. (More)

➤ The Home for the Howl-idays adoption event is scheduled for Saturday at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center in Tampa. Adoption fees at the event will be waived in honor of the holiday season. (See Pets)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Relieves Pain FAST — And It’s So EASY! Paingone Plus fits the power of TENS into a tiny, portable pen that anyone can use. And it only takes 60-90 seconds of treatment time! With zero setup and zero troubleshooting to place the sticky pads, you’ll be feeling better ASAP.

How do you like your hot cocoa?

1. Plain
2. With whipped cream
3. With marshmallows
4. I don’t drink cocoa

Thursday’s Results:

Do you own a boat?

1. Yes: 36%
2. No: 64%

During the 1870s, citrus fruit growers and entrepreneurs flocked to Florida, seeking riches from the state’s citrus-perfect conditions. What was that migration called?

Show me the answer